How to Work with Agency-Represented Models (and Build Relationships That Last)
The Photographer’s Guide to Booking, Testing, and Collaborating with Modeling Agencies
Working with agency-represented models adds professionalism, polish, and credibility to your portfolio, but there’s a process to doing it right. Modeling agencies act as intermediaries between photographers, clients, and talent. They manage the business side of things, including negotiating rates, issuing contracts, and ensuring models are only booked for reputable opportunities.
Whether you're an individual creative or a brand, here's how to successfully book and collaborate with agency models while building lasting relationships along the way.
What Does a Modeling Agency Do?
A modeling agency represents its roster of talent by:
Negotiating pay on the model’s behalf
Securing opportunities aligned with the model’s career goals
Managing legal agreements, including model releases and usage rights
When working with agency models, all negotiations, including rates, timelines, and usage, must go through the agency directly. Models are not legally authorized to sign contracts independently.
What Is a Test Shoot?
A test shoot is a non-commercial collaboration between a photographer and a model to create high-quality images that benefit both parties' portfolios. If your work meets the agency's standards, they may approve a model to test with you, often in exchange for professionally retouched images.
Agencies typically set expectations around delivery, ranging from 2–14 days. Communicate your editing timeline clearly up front to avoid misalignment.
How to Book an Agency Model
To get started:
Contact the agency’s booking agent
Introduce yourself and share a link to your portfolio
Express interest in testing with models and outline what you’re offering in return (images, pull letters, etc.)
Pro Tip: Start with the New Faces Division
These are models who are newer to the industry, updating their portfolios, or experimenting with a new look. They’re often more available for test shoots and open to working with emerging photographers, if your work is up to standard.
What to Capture During the Shoot
Agencies need portfolio images that show the model, not just your creative flair.
Capture “clean” images: natural light, minimal makeup, simple wardrobe
Avoid overly stylized concepts unless agreed upon with the agency
Editorial work is welcome, but always ask if a pull letter is required (especially for borrowed clothing or props)
Clean, timeless shots are more likely to be used in a model’s comp card or portfolio and can lead to more future collaborations.
Legal & Professional Best Practices
Always route model releases and usage agreements through the agency
Never bypass agency consent, even if the model offers to sign directly
Respect agency timelines and usage restrictions
Approaching agency relationships with professionalism not only protects you legally, it earns you a reputation as someone they can trust.
Why It Matters
Shooting with agency-represented talent isn’t just about getting the perfect shot, it’s about building professional relationships in the fashion and commercial photography world. When you deliver on expectations, communicate clearly, and respect the process, you’re not just getting access to great models. You’re showing that you’re someone worth working with.